Rio Grande Guardian

Title: Nathan Burkhart
Runtime: 5:43
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: Nathan Burkhart is the City of Brownsville's new Convention & Visitors Bureau director and director of the Office of Space Commerce. The Office of Space Commerce is a new department recently created by city leaders. Previously, Burkhart was a vice president for Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation. In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Burkhart discusses his new role and his efforts to grow tourism for the city. He also explains what the Office of Space Commerce is all about.

Title: Jorge Torres
Runtime: 10:33
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: Jorge Torres, president of Interlink Trade Services, is spearheading the push for an international rail bridge in the Upper Rio Grande Valley. Freight can currently be moved across the border by rail in Brownsville, Laredo and Eagle Pass, but not the McAllen-Mission-Pharr area. He says it is crucial for industrial development in the region. Torres noted that big supporters of the rail bridge project in the past were then-McAllen EDC President Keith Patridge and then-Mission Mayor Armando O'Caña. Now it is time to push for it again, he says, in an exclusive interview with the RGG Business Journal. Torres said the item is a top priority for RioPlex and will be discussed at an upcoming economic update event the group is holding at STC in Weslaco.

Title: Cynthia Sakulenzki
Runtime: 11:27
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is to host a Strategic Retreat at PNC Bank in McAllen on Friday, Jan. 9, 2025. The event will see Hispanic Chamber leaders from across the state of Texas in attendance. The keynote speaker will be Massey Villarreal, president and CEO of Precision Task Group. He will speak about the work of Comité de 100 in Washington, D.C. There will be two panel discussions, one on the economic climate in South Texas, and one on the Historically Under-Utilized Business Program. There will also be remarks from Monica Andry, chair of the Texas Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Coalition. Here is a preview of the event from Cynthia Sakulenzki, president and CEO of the RGV Hispanic Chamber.

Title: Helen Ramirez
Runtime: 8:26
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: The Rio Grande Guardian has exclusive and historic video of Helen Ramirez's last public appearance as city manager of Brownsville, Texas. It came at a reception held in her honor by the City of Brownsville. The event took place on December 18, 2025, at the Brownsville Events Center. The Guardian's video also features a video the City of Brownsville produced that features photos of Ramirez's time working for the City.

Title: Jorge Torres
Runtime: 4:24
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: Jorge Torres is founder and president of Interlink Trade Services, a customs brokerage firm in South Texas. In his latest interview with the RGG Business Journal, Torres previews international trade in 2026. He discusses tariffs, USMCA, and President Trump's military action in Venezuela.

Title: Sergio Vasquez
Runtime: 21:31
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: Sergio Vasquez, border program manager for the international trade and border planning team at TxDOT, has given a detailed update on the Border Transportation Master Plan. Vasquez gave the update at a recent meeting of the Texas Freight Advisory Committee. Here is his presentation in full.

Luis Bazan discusses Comptroller’s report on international bridges

Title: Luis Bazan discusses Comptroller’s report on international bridges
Runtime: 5:19
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock visited the Pharr Port of Entry to release the results of a Comptroller’s office study on the impact of the Hidalgo Port of Entry on the Texas economy. The Hidalgo port includes the Anzalduas International Bridge, the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge, the Pharr International Bridge and the McAllen International Airport. “Land ports and bridges such as the Pharr Bridge are critical to Texas’ role as the nation’s top trading state,” Hancock said. “This crossing keeps goods moving, supports Texas jobs and strengthens our economy by connecting Texas businesses to markets across North America.” Here is a video recording of Luis Bazan’s reaction to the report. Bazan is director of the Pharr International Bridge.

Luis Bazan discusses the Border Transportation Master Plan

Title: Luis Bazan discusses the Border Transportation Master Plan
Runtime: 2:15
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: The Texas Freight Advisory Committee, which is administered by the Texas Department of Transportation, met at the McAllen Convention Center on December 17, 2025. One of the agenda items was an update on the Border Transportation Master Plan. The presentation was made by TxDOT official Sergio Vasquez. Luis Bazan, director of the Pharr International Bridge, was not able to attend the meeting. However, he later gave an interview to the RGG Business Journal about the Border Transportation Master Plan.

Title: Josie Arellano en en Español
Runtime: 10:00
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: Josie Arellano es enlace para víctimas de delitos en el Departamento de Desarrollo Policial de Pharr. Arellano conversó a fondo con la presentadora del Rio Grande Guardian, Mari Regalado, para hablar sobre su trabajo. Regalado comentó que es importante que las víctimas de delitos se presenten y denuncien, sin importar su estatus legal. Añadió que el Departamento de Policía de Pharr puede ayudar.

Title: Josie Arellano
Runtime: 12:30
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: Josie Arellano is crime victims liaison for Pharr Police Development. Arellano sat down for an in-depth interview with Rio Grande Guardian anchor Mari Regalado to discuss her work. She said it is important for the victims of crime to come forward and report a crime, no matter what their legal status. She said Pharr Police Department can help. Here is the interview.

Title: Dr. Carlos Cardenas, MD
Runtime: 3:22
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: The City of Brownsville and DHR Health Brownsville have entered into a Chapter 380 Grant Agreement to add approximately 14,000 square feet to the city’s newest hospital - DHR Health Brownsville. In addition to expanding bricks and mortar, DHR will enhance medical services in the Emergency Room, Radiology Department, and Catheterization Lab. They will also add surgical suites. Under the Chapter 380 Grant Agreement of the Texas Local Government Code, the City of Brownsville can offer incentives and grants to encourage private investment that supports community and economic development goals. Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr., said the City of Brownsville will incentivize DHR with a $2,000,000 investment. Dr. Carlos J. Cardenas, MD, DHR’s chairman of the board, said the health system will invest $17,297,000 in the expansion.

Enfoque en el bufete de abogados de John Saenz

Title: Enfoque en el bufete de abogados de John Saenz
Runtime: 5:28
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: John Saenz es un abogado con sede en McAllen que dirige su propio bufete, llamado John Saenz Law Firm. En esta entrevista, Saenz habla sobre su trayectoria profesional en el ámbito legal y las especialidades de su firma.

Title: Amanda Austin
Runtime: 27:55
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: The Texas Freight Advisory Committee, which is administered by the Texas Department of Transportation, met in McAllen on December 17, 2025. The meeting was held at the McAllen Convention Center. One of the agenda items was titled “Roundabout and Alternative Intersection Design Update.” It was presented by Amanda Austin, who works in TxDOT’s Design Division. Austin argued that roundabouts, which are popular in Europe, are much safer than the traditional four-way intersections that are popular in Texas.

Title: District Judge Mario E. Ramirez
Runtime: 24:15
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: Rio Grande Guardian anchor Mari Regalado interviews state District Judge Mario E. Ramirez on October 16, 2019

Title: Dani Marrero Hi discusses ICE raids
Runtime: 11:35
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: La Unión del Pueblo Entero has launched a new campaign, Valle Fuerte, Valle Libre, to protect immigrant families and workers from deportations. LUPE members say they want to stand in solidarity against family separations across the Rio Grande Valley and the rest of Texas. LUPE says it plans to install campaign yard signs in confirmed locations where ICE raids have occurred. It also plans to distribute Know-Your-Rights kits throughout Hidalgo County to educate the public about the campaign and their rights in case they face ICE. “These tactics are geared towards amplifying the movement across the RGV,” the group says. The Rio Grande Guardian interviewed Dani Marrero Hi, deputy director of LUPE, about the campaign. She said elected officials in the RGV should be doing more to stop the ICE raids.

Dani Marrero Hi habla sobre las redadas de ICE

Title: Dani Marrero Hi habla sobre las redadas de ICE
Runtime: 2:27
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: La Unión del Pueblo Entero ha lanzado una nueva campaña, Valle Fuerte, Valle Libre, para proteger a las familias y trabajadores inmigrantes de las deportaciones. Los miembros de LUPE dicen que quieren solidarizarse con las separaciones familiares en el Valle del Río Grande y el resto de Texas. LUPE dice que planea instalar letreros de campaña en los jardines de los lugares confirmados donde se han producido redadas de ICE. También planea distribuir kits de "Conoce tus derechos" en todo el condado de Hidalgo para educar al público sobre la campaña y sus derechos en caso de que se enfrenten a ICE. "Estas tácticas están orientadas a amplificar el movimiento en todo el Valle del Río Grande", dice el grupo. The Rio Grande Guardian entrevistó a Dani Marrero Hi, subdirectora de LUPE, sobre la campaña. Ella afirmó que los funcionarios electos en el Valle del Río Grande deberían hacer más para detener las redadas de ICE.

Title: Gerry Schwebel
Runtime: 8:02
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: The Texas Freight Advisory Committee, which is administered by the Texas Department of Transportation, met at the McAllen Convention Center on December 17, 2025. One of the agenda items was to find a successor to Ed Emmett, who was retiring as chairman after many years in the position. IBC Bank Executive Vice President Gerardo (Gerald) Schwebel was elected chairman. His first interview on becoming chairman was with the RGG Business Journal. Here is the interview.

Hancock explains changes made to HUB program

Title: Hancock explains changes made to HUB program
Runtime: 2:32
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock has defended his decision to effectively eliminate longstanding components of the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program. The changes include removing women and racial and ethnic minority group members from eligibility. The move has been criticized by the Mexican American Legislative Caucus and the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce. Hancock defended his decision during a news conference held at the Pharr International Bridge. Here is what he said.

Texas Freight Advisory Committee Member Update - Part Two

Title: Texas Freight Advisory Committee Member Update - Part Two
Runtime: 21:38
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: The Texas Freight Advisory Committee, which is administered by the Texas Department of Transportation, met at the McAllen Convention Center on December 17, 2025. Members of the committee gave an update on their work. Those members included IBC Bank Executive Vice President Gerry Schwebel. This is the second in a two-part series on the members of the Texas Freight Advisory Committee.

Texas Freight Advisory Committee Member Update - Part One

Title: Texas Freight Advisory Committee Member Update - Part One
Runtime: 33:29
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: The Texas Freight Advisory Committee, which is administered by the Texas Department of Transportation, met at the McAllen Convention Center on December 17, 2025. Members of the committee gave an update on their work. Those members included McAllen City Manager Isaac Tawil, Rolando Ortiz of Killam Development, and Mission Economic Development Corporation CEO Teclo Garcia. The committee also heard from Pete Alvarez, the TxDOT Pharr District Engineer. This is the first in a two-part series on the members of the Texas Freight Advisory Committee.

Title: Alan Guard
Runtime: 8:29
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: Experienced city administrator Alan Guard is taking over as interim city manager of Brownsville. He will replace Helen Ramirez who is leaving Brownsville to move to Austin. In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Guard spoke highly of Ramirez and said he has big shoes to fill. He said the City of Brownsville would continue with the successful “One City” philosophy Ramirez introduced. He also pointed out that although Brownsville is a bigger city than McAllen it has few city employees. Which means they have to do more with less. Here is the interview.

Title: Brian Vega Alarcón and Johnny Singh
Runtime: 8:31
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: Brian Vega Alarcón and Johnny Singh are hotel developers. They both plan to build hotels on McAllen’s Convention Center campus. Singh says his hotel plan has already gone before the City of McAllen for approval and will go up first. Vega Alarcón says his hotel will come slightly later but will be McAllen’s first 5-Star hotel. He says it will include subterranean parking and condominiums. The two developers will be neighbors when their respective hotels are built. Here is an exclusive interview.

Rene Capistran speaks at STC-Noble Texas Builders check presentation event

Title: Rene Capistran speaks at STC-Noble Texas Builders check presentation event
Runtime: 7:54
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: The South Texas College Foundation recently received a $100,000 endowment from Noble Texas Builders, an award-winning commercial construction firm based in La Feria, Texas. South Texas College Foundation has matched the donation. The endowment will be used to fund STC students who demonstrate academic excellence and character within the college’s Construction, Engineering or Architecture programs. Rene Capistran, CEO of Noble Texas Builders, gave the keynote address at the check presentation ceremony. Here are his remarks from the podium.

Title: Rene Capistran interview
Runtime: 5:30
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: The South Texas College Foundation recently received a $100,000 endowment from Noble Texas Builders, an award-winning commercial construction firm based in La Feria, Texas. South Texas College Foundation has matched the donation. The endowment will be used to fund STC students who demonstrate academic excellence and character within the college’s Construction, Engineering or Architecture programs. After the check presentation, Rene Capistran, CEO of Noble Texas Builders, gave an interview to the Rio Grande Guardian. Here it is.

Title: Dr. Roldán A. Valverde
Runtime: 1:50
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: UT-Rio Grande Valley recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Marine Ecosystems Research Facility (MERF), marking the start of construction on a $21.5 million coastal research center that will expand the university’s capacity in marine and environmental sciences. The project was approved earlier this year by the UT System Board of Regents and will be constructed at 905 S. Garcia Street in Port Isabel. The 14,500-square-foot facility will include seven research labs, student workspaces, faculty offices, laboratory support areas and a conference room. Dr. Can Saygin, senior vice president for Research and dean of the Graduate College at UTRGV, said the single-story structure is designed to withstand windstorms and flood surge conditions and will replace five aging portable structures that have been in use for more than a decade. He predicted the new facility will play a key role in supporting research activity across the university. At the conclusion of the groundbreaking ceremo...

Title: Spotlight on John Saenz Law Firm
Runtime: 4:14
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: John Saenz is a McAllen-based attorney who has his own practice. It is titled John Saenz Law Firm. In this interview, Saenz talks about his career in the legal profession and what his firm specializes in.

Title: Jim Collins
Runtime: 2:06
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: RioPlex recently held a meeting for board members and ambassadors at the McAllen Country Club. The event was titled “Leadership Gathering” and the goal was to have a meaningful session focused in strategy, structure and regional growth. Group members discussed their work in their first year of operation and looked ahead to the events it has planned for 2026. RioPlex is a nonprofit that covers the Rio Grande Valley and northern Tamaulipas. It markets the region as RioPlex around the world. After the meeting had ended, the RGG Business Journal secured an exclusive interview with real estate developer and RioPlex supporter Jim Collins. Here is the interview.

Title: Randy Perez
Runtime: 5:38
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: RioPlex recently held a meeting for board members and ambassadors at the McAllen Country Club. The event was titled “Leadership Gathering” and the goal was to have a meaningful session focused on strategy, structure and regional growth. Group members discussed their work in their first year of operation and looked ahead to the events it has planned for 2026. Among the speakers at the event was Randy Perez, economic development director for Hidalgo County. At the end of his remarks, RioPlex Chairman Joaquin Spamer presented Perez with one of the new RioPlex shirts. Spamer said the shirts symbolize unity, identity, and renewed commitment to regional collaboration. Here is a video recording of Perez’s remarks.

Title: Dr. Nolan Perez, MD.
Runtime: 11:17
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: UT-Rio Grande Valley recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Marine Ecosystems Research Facility (MERF), marking the start of construction on a $21.5 million coastal research center that will expand the university’s capacity in marine and environmental sciences. The project was approved earlier this year by the UT System Board of Regents and will be constructed at 905 S. Garcia Street in Port Isabel. The 14,500-square-foot facility will include seven research labs, student workspaces, faculty offices, laboratory support areas and a conference room. One of the speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony was Dr. Nolan Perez, a UT System regent. In his remarks, Perez pointed out that he grew up in Port Isabel. Here are the remarks Dr. Perez made at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Title: Dr. Guy Bailey
Runtime: 3:23
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: UT-Rio Grande Valley recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Marine Ecosystems Research Facility (MERF), marking the start of construction on a $21.5 million coastal research center that will expand the university’s capacity in marine and environmental sciences. The project was approved earlier this year by the UT System Board of Regents and will be constructed at 905 S. Garcia Street in Port Isabel. The 14,500-square-foot facility will include seven research labs, student workspaces, faculty offices, laboratory support areas and a conference room. UTRGV President Guy Bailey said the new facility represents a significant investment in research infrastructure and educational opportunity. He said the groundbreaking represents a major step forward for UTRGV’s research enterprise and its commitment to serving the Rio Grande Valley. “This facility will strengthen our ability to study coastal and marine environments, expand academic opportunities for our students, and support t...

Title: Dr. Can Saygin
Runtime: 5:05
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: UT-Rio Grande Valley recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Marine Ecosystems Research Facility (MERF), marking the start of construction on a $21.5 million coastal research center that will expand the university’s capacity in marine and environmental sciences. The project was approved earlier this year by the UT System Board of Regents and will be constructed at 905 S. Garcia Street in Port Isabel. The 14,500-square-foot facility will include seven research labs, student workspaces, faculty offices, laboratory support areas and a conference room. Dr. Can Saygin, senior vice president for Research and dean of the Graduate College at UTRGV, said the single-story structure is designed to withstand windstorms and flood surge conditions and will replace five aging portable structures that have been in use for more than a decade. He predicted the new facility will play a key role in supporting research activity across the university. Here is an interview the Rio Grande Guardian s...

Comptroller’s Report on the Port of Brownsville

Title: Comptroller’s Report on the Port of Brownsville
Runtime: 3:13
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock joined Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban "Steve" Guerra and state Sen. Adam Hinojosa on Wednesday to present the findings of the Port of Brownsville 2024 Economic Impact Study, conducted by the Texas Comptroller’s Office, during a press briefing held at the Port of Brownsville Administration Office. The study highlights the Port of Brownsville’s significant role in the Texas economy, contributing $11.9 billion to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) and reinforcing the port’s importance as a driver of trade and industry. Based on the Comptroller’s estimate, trade through the Port of Brownsville in 2024 resulted in 101,073 jobs. Here is an interview with Sen. Hinojosa.

Title: Comptroller’s Report on the Port of Brownsville
Runtime: 12:35
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock joined Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban "Steve" Guerra and state Sen. Adam Hinojosa on Wednesday to present the findings of the Port of Brownsville 2024 Economic Impact Study, conducted by the Texas Comptroller’s Office, during a press briefing held at the Port of Brownsville Administration Office. The study highlights the Port of Brownsville’s significant role in the Texas economy, contributing $11.9 billion to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) and reinforcing the port’s importance as a driver of trade and industry. Based on the Comptroller’s estimate, trade through the Port of Brownsville in 2024 resulted in 101,073 jobs. Here is a video recording of the press conference.

Title: Jorge Torres
Runtime: 28:02
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: Jorge Torres, a licensed customs broker and president and CEO of Interlink Trade Services, has given the RGG Business Journal an update on the renewal of USMCA. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement comes up for renewal in July 2026 and the first hearings on the issue have already been held in Washington, D.C. Torres explains what's at stake and addresses speculation that the agreement could be scrapped altogether and replaced with individual deals between the U.S. and Canada, and the U.S. and Mexico. In the in-depth interview, Torres also explains the impact of more stringent tariffs, imposed by the U.S. on goods being imported from countries such as Mexico.

Title: Jesus Reyna
Runtime: 5:09
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: Jesus Reyna is chief operating officer for the City of Donna. Reyna recently gave a presentation about new plans to expand the Donna-Rio Bravo International Bridge so that it can take fully loaded trucks both northbound and southbound. He said the City is working with the General Services Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation in readiness to go out for bids to develop the bridge's infrastructure. The presentation was made at a Rio Grande Valley Partnership "Commercialization & Investment Tour" event, held at the Victoria Palms inn & Suites in Donna. After the event had concluded, Reyna gave an exclusive interview to the Rio Grande Guardian. Here it is.

Title: Mark Hanna
Runtime: 10:42
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: The Rio Grande Valley Partnership held its last Commercialization and Investment Tour event of 2025 at the Victoria Palms inn & Suites in Donna on Friday, December 12. It was the very last C&I event the group will hold because in 2026 the program is being revamped. It will be known as RGV Connect. One of the presenters at the Donna event was Mark Hanna, managing director of SVN Hanna Solutions Commercial Real Estate. He said Donna is going places. “Donna, the heart of the Valley, is putting together all the ingredients to create a powerhouse of an economy,” Hanna said. Hanna said that as a commercial real estate professional, he does not like to focus on things that are not based on metrics. As a result, he said, his presentation has the data and analytics to back up his claim about Donna’s incredible potential. Here is Hanna’s presentation in full.

Title: Mark E. Garcia
Runtime: 21:35
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: Mark E. Garcia, president and CEO of Foreign Trade Zone No. 12, has given an in-depth interview to the RGG Business Journal about the work of the organization. In the interview, Garcia explained what a FTZ does and what type of companies can benefit from its services. He pointed out that FTZ No. 12 does not service McAllen alone. Its coverage area extends across Hidalgo County and potentially soon, Willacy County also. And he spoke about the organization’s decision to join RioPlex, believing this group can better market the foreign trade zone across the globe.

Title: Marv Esterly
Runtime: 29:49
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: Marv Esterly recently retired as aviation director for Valley International Airport. Just before he retired, Esterly gave the RGG Business Journal an exclusive interview. He spoke about his early days in the aviation industry and the improvements he helped provide at VIA. He said he is proud of those achievements and the team he put together at the airport. And, as he has said in the past, Esterly believes there should only be one commercial airport in the Rio Grande Valley and VIA is the obvious choice.

Title: Eddie Treviño, Jr.
Runtime: 7:07
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: Cameron County Commissioners recently received the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority’s (CCRMA) Transportation Reinvestment Zone (TRZ) 2025 Annual Report and Project Status Update. The report outlined progress on a range of transportation initiatives including roadway expansions, highway connectors, rail improvements, and international and causeway bridge projects. The projects, which span every County Commission Precinct and multiple municipalities, range from shovel-ready to early-stage development. The RGG Business Journal interviewed Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., about CCRMA’s annual report.

Title: Fundación RAMMAC Xmas Posada 2025
Runtime: 50:29
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: Index Reynosa is the trade association for the maquiladora industry in Reynosa. Its philanthropic arm is called Fundación Reynosa Asociación de Maquiladoras y Manufactureras, A.C. (RAMMAC). Twice a year, Fundación RAMMAC holds two golf tournaments - one in Reynosa and one in Pharr - to raise money for worthy causes. The group presents checks to those worthy causes at its Christmas Posada, which is held every year at the Cambria Hotel in McAllen. Here is a video recording of the 2025 posada.

Title: Sharyland Business Park Ribbon-Cutting
Runtime: 18:48
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: Killam Development celebrated a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on December 10, 2025, for its latest project - Sharyland Business Park. The group invited its two partners, the economic development corporations of Mission and McAllen. Killam described the project as “a major industrial development” and “an exciting step toward growth and opportunity in the Rio Grande Valley.” The group said: “This 175-acre industrial development is positioned to bring value to the Anzalduas Bridge area through advanced manufacturing, logistics, distribution, and nearshoring-related investments, enhancing our global competitiveness.” Mission EDC said it represents “a long-term milestone in Mission’s continued job creation, logistics expansion, and regional economic growth.” Among those to speak at the event were Cliffe Killam, managing principal of Killam Development, Mission EDC CEO Teclo Garcia, McAllen EDC COO Ralph Garcia, Hidalgo County Commissioner Ever Villarreal, and Mission Mayor Norie...

Title: Teclo Garcia
Runtime: 3:27
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: Killam Development celebrated a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on December 10, 2025, for its latest project - Sharyland Business Park. The group invited its two partners, the economic development corporations of Mission and McAllen. Killam described the project as “a major industrial development” and “an exciting step toward growth and opportunity in the Rio Grande Valley.” The group said: “This 175-acre industrial development is positioned to bring value to the Anzalduas Bridge area through advanced manufacturing, logistics, distribution, and nearshoring-related investments, enhancing our global competitiveness.” Mission EDC said it represents “a long-term milestone in Mission’s continued job creation, logistics expansion, and regional economic growth.” Among those to speak at the event were Cliffe Killam, managing principal of Killam Development, Mission EDC CEO Teclo Garcia, McAllen EDC COO Ralph Garcia, Hidalgo County Commissioner Ever Villarreal, and Mission Mayor Norie...

Title: Cliffe Killam
Runtime: 8:04
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: Killam Development celebrated a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on December 10, 2025, for its latest project - Sharyland Business Park. The group invited its two partners, the economic development corporations of Mission and McAllen. Killam described the project as “a major industrial development” and “an exciting step toward growth and opportunity in the Rio Grande Valley.” The group said: “This 175-acre industrial development is positioned to bring value to the Anzalduas Bridge area through advanced manufacturing, logistics, distribution, and nearshoring-related investments, enhancing our global competitiveness.” Mission EDC said it represents “a long-term milestone in Mission’s continued job creation, logistics expansion, and regional economic growth.” Among those to speak at the event were Cliffe Killam, managing principal of Killam Development, Mission EDC CEO Teclo Garcia, McAllen EDC COO Ralph Garcia, Hidalgo County Commissioner Ever Villarreal, and Mission Mayor Norie...

Eddie Treviño at the State of the Region, 2025

Title: Eddie Treviño at the State of the Region, 2025
Runtime: 17:36
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: The Rio Grande Valley Partnership recently hosted its 2025 State of the Region summit at Mission Event Center. The event produced a rarity. Namely, all four county judges in the region appeared on stage together. Such a feat has been tried before but in the past there was always one that could not make it. This time was different. Here are the remarks of Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr.

Aurelio Guerra at the State of the Region, 2025

Title: Aurelio Guerra at the State of the Region, 2025
Runtime: 13:13
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: The Rio Grande Valley Partnership recently hosted its 2025 State of the Region summit at Mission Event Center. The event produced a rarity. Namely, all four county judges in the region appeared on stage together. Such a feat has been tried before but in the past there was always one that could not make it. This time was different. Here are the remarks of Willacy County Judge Aurelio Guerra.

Richard Cortez at the State of the Region, 2025

Title: Richard Cortez at the State of the Region, 2025
Runtime: 10:24
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: The Rio Grande Valley Partnership recently hosted its 2025 State of the Region summit at Mission Event Center. The event produced a rarity. Namely, all four county judges in the region appeared on stage together. Such a feat has been tried before but in the past there was always one that could not make it. This time was different. Here are the remarks of Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez.

Eloy Vera at the State of the Region, 2025

Title: Eloy Vera at the State of the Region, 2025
Runtime: 10:22
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: The Rio Grande Valley Partnership recently hosted its 2025 State of the Region summit at Mission Event Center. The event produced a rarity. Namely, all four county judges in the region appeared on stage together. Such a feat has been tried before but in the past there was always one that could not make it. This time was different. Here are the remarks of Starr County Judge Eloy Vera.

Title: Daniel Covarrubias
Runtime: 4:37
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: The Council for South Texas Economic Progress recently hosted university presidents and senior academic leaders from the Rio Grande Valley and Northern Tamaulipas at the Cambria Hotel in McAllen. The working session marked the formal establishment of COSTEP’s Binational Higher Education Advisory Council. During the meeting, COSTEP CEO Adam Gonzalez made the case for a Strategic Inventory of Educational Offerings and asked all the high education institutions for their help. They were asked to complete an in-depth questionnaire that will help COSTEP digitally map, in detail, the region’s academic programs and institutional capabilities. Gonzalez said the session “sets the groundwork for a long-term effort to align education and industry across both sides of the border.” At the conclusion of the meeting, the RGG Business Journal secured an interview with Daniel Covarrubias, director of the Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development at the Texas A&M International U...

Title: Cledia Hernandez
Runtime: 4:14
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: The Council for South Texas Economic Progress recently hosted university presidents and senior academic leaders from the Rio Grande Valley and Northern Tamaulipas at the Cambria Hotel in McAllen. The working session marked the formal establishment of COSTEP’s Binational Higher Education Advisory Council. During the meeting, COSTEP CEO Adam Gonzalez made the case for a Strategic Inventory of Educational Offerings and asked all the high education institutions for their help. They were asked to complete an in-depth questionnaire that will help COSTEP digitally map, in detail, the region’s academic programs and institutional capabilities. Gonzalez said the session “sets the groundwork for a long-term effort to align education and industry across both sides of the border.” At the conclusion of the meeting, the RGG Business Journal secured an interview with Cledia Hernandez, vice chancellor of Texas State Technical College. She said TSTC fully supports COSTEP's endeavors.

Title: Richard Mesquias
Runtime: 2:58
Date posted: 10 months ago
Description: The Council for South Texas Economic Progress recently hosted university presidents and senior academic leaders from the Rio Grande Valley and Northern Tamaulipas at the Cambria Hotel in McAllen. The working session marked the formal establishment of COSTEP’s Binational Higher Education Advisory Council. During the meeting, COSTEP CEO Adam Gonzalez made the case for a Strategic Inventory of Educational Offerings and asked all the high education institutions for their help. They were asked to complete an in-depth questionnaire that will help COSTEP digitally map, in detail, the region’s academic programs and institutional capabilities. Gonzalez said the session “sets the groundwork for a long-term effort to align education and industry across both sides of the border.” At the conclusion of the meeting, the RGG Business Journal secured an interview with Richard Mesquias, vice president at Texas Southmost College. He said TSC fully supports COSTEP's endeavors.

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